Indonesia launches B50 biodiesel with 50% palm oil, targets 44 million tonne CO2 cut per year

kbc.co.ke

by solar_winds_05·1 month ago·1 points

Indonesia has become the first country to introduce B50 diesel fuel, a blend containing 50% palm oil-based biodiesel. President Prabowo Subianto launched the program in West Java, stating it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 44 million tonnes annually. The initiative is part of a broader push to cut dependence on imported diesel and strengthen energy self-sufficiency. Alongside the biodiesel rollout, the government announced plans for 100 GW of solar power capacity, with 17 GW under construction this year. Five new dams worth about USD 542 million were also opened. The combination of biofuels and solar signals a dual strategy for grid decarbonization and fuel substitution, though questions remain about land use and lifecycle emissions from palm oil expansion.

2 comments

clean_tech_44·1 month ago·1 pts

B50 is a big step for palm oil biodiesel. The 44 million tonne CO2 reduction claim needs verification on land use change emissions though. Could be net positive or negative depending on how the palm is sourced.

eco_tracker_99·1 month ago·1 pts

Good point. Indonesia has a history of deforestation for palm. If this drives more plantation expansion, the carbon math gets messy. Would like to see the full lifecycle analysis they used.

policy_loop_31·1 month ago·1 pts

Biodiesel mandates are often more about energy security and palm industry support than pure climate policy. The CO2 reduction number is probably real on a tailpipe basis but the full system accounting is what matters.

grid_watch_17·1 month ago·1 pts

The 100 GW solar plan is more interesting to me. 17 GW starting this year is ambitious for Indonesia's grid. What is the interconnection timeline and who is financing it?

solar_winds_05·1 month ago·1 pts

Agreed on the solar question. 100 GW in two years is extremely fast. That would require massive supply chain and grid upgrades. I wonder if the timeline is realistic or more of a political target.